At the edge of Ho Chi Minh City lies the unusual Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh. This delightful tour takes you through pretty countryside to this colourful, whimsical building which the home of the eclectic Cao Dai religion. From here, travel on to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels that gave sanctuary to resistance fighters during the French and American wars. (L)

Your Itinerary

Depart Ho Chi Minh City at 0800. Leaving the city behind, the scenery melts into views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road and other scenes typical of southern Vietnamese rural life. At Tay Ninh visit the striking Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy. Its extravagant design and jewel colours are breathtaking. Admire the 28 dragon-encrusted pillars along the nave, and be inspired by the endless sea of robed faithfuls who come to worship at this remarkable temple where the world’s major faiths seem to blend together in a unique religious cocktail. After lunch in a local restaurant, it’s time for a journey into Vietnam’s recent past with a visit to Cu Chi’s remarkable 250km network of tunnels, carved out as a refuge by Viet Cong fighters between the 1940s and the 1960s. Parts of the tunnel network were several storeys deep and housed dwelling areas, munitions factories, storage facilities and a command centre. Although parts of the tunnels have recently been widened to allow visitors access, the original tunnels were dank, cramped places in which life was extremely tough. Nevertheless, the Viet Cong’s ingenious trapdoors, secret passageways and booby traps were crucial to the resistance and formed an effective defence against attackers. For a memorable taste of living history, this tour is not to be missed. Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS  ( Extra fee will be applied so these options need to be arranged in advance )

1 A personal guide to the Cu Chi Tunnels

For those with a particular interest in learning more about these amazing tunnels, a special guide with personal experience of this wartime tunnel refuge can be arranged. Mr Huynh Van Chia, affectionately known as Mr Nam, lived and fought in the tunnels for 12 years and his tour includes first-hand accounts of life in the Cu Chi Tunnels.

2 The Wildlife at Risk (WAR) Rescue Centre

Located close to the Cu Chi Tunnels is the WAR Rescue Centre. The first multi-species wildlife hospital and holding facility in southern Vietnam, its main purpose is to help stop the country’s endangered wildlife trade. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour through the centre.

PRICING: Please contact us for rates.

The package price includes the following services:

• Meals (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Transfer with private A/C Vehicle.
• Sight-seeing with local English Speaking Guide.
• All entrance fees as per itinerary.
• Mineral water and face towels on vehicle on days of tour.

The package price doesn’t include the following services:

• Vietnam Entry Visa arrangement.
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Optional visits.
• Personal expenses (drinks, tips etc..)
• Travel insurance
• Any service not mentioned above.